Gaddafi: Israel Responsible for All African Wars

Libyan Dictator Muammar Gaddafi has blamed Israel for all the wars taking place in Africa. Speaking at a special African Union summit in Tripoli Monday to mark 40 years of his rule, Gaddafi said to some 30 African leaders that Israel was "behind all of Africa's conflicts." He then demanded the closure of all Israeli embassies in Africa, describing Israel as a "gang" and saying it used "the protection of minorities as an excuse to launch conflicts."

Foreign Ministry spokesman, Yigal Palmor, shot back saying Gaddafi was a "clown" whose declarations "no one in the world took seriously. I am sure no one was impressed by his bullying," he said.

Libya is believed to be responsible for preventing Israeli ties with nearby Mali, Niger and Chad. He has also been able to pressure a number of African states to vote in favor of anti-Israeli resolutions in various international bodies.